face the difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

"face the difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that you are confronting a challenge head-on. For example, "I know this project won't be easy, but I'm confident that I can face the difficulty and get it done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The Social Democrats face the difficulty of trying to unseat a widely popular chancellor.

The New York Times

But in trying to get reliable information, officials face the difficulty that up until today they sent the message that immigration violations would be dealt with harshly.

The New York Times

Now those people face the difficulty of moving to pursue employment elsewhere because they owe much more than their homes are worth.

The New York Times

The party will then face the difficulty of how to control this surge of nationalist fervour; and how to explain its continued failure to complete the last unfinished task on the nationalist agenda: "reunification" with Taiwan.Simon Long Asiaa editor, The Economist.

The Economist

Still, we face the difficulty of comparing large and small companies.

Forbes

Second level headache centres of the Italian National Health Service often face the difficulty of a shorter availability of time.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It forces students to face the difficulties of training a deep attentiveness.

The Guardian

You have to face the difficulties and you have to overcome them.

The New York Times - Sports

Young British artists invited abroad very seldom face the difficulties faced by young artists who live outside the EU and are invited to perform here.

The Guardian

Congressman Ron Paul: Because I don't think anyone wants to face the difficulties that might ensue.

Huffington Post

Houston students who stay in the city will likely face the difficulties of rebuilding and reestablishing a school district.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face the difficulty" to convey a sense of determination and proactive engagement with a challenging situation.

Common error

Instead of saying "The difficulty was faced," use the active voice: "They faced the difficulty" for a stronger and more direct statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face the difficulty" functions as a verb phrase where "face" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object ("the difficulty"). Ludwig shows it's commonly used to express direct engagement with challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

64%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "face the difficulty" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a direct and determined approach to handling challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of proactive engagement. Predominantly found in Science and News & Media contexts, as per Ludwig’s analysis, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse situations. For those seeking alternative phrasing, options like "confront the challenge" or "tackle the problem" offer subtle variations in emphasis, each maintaining a similar core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confront the challenge

Emphasizes a direct and active approach to dealing with a challenge.

tackle the problem

Suggests a practical and hands-on approach to resolving an issue.

address the issue

Focuses on formally acknowledging and dealing with a specific problem.

grapple with the complexity

Highlights the struggle and effort involved in understanding and managing something intricate.

meet the obstacle

Implies encountering an obstruction and preparing to overcome it.

brave the hardship

Focuses on courageously enduring difficult conditions or circumstances.

endure the trial

Emphasizes the act of withstanding a difficult test or experience.

weather the storm

Suggests surviving a turbulent period or crisis.

contend with the adversity

Highlights the struggle against unfavorable conditions or misfortune.

navigate the predicament

Focuses on skillfully guiding oneself through a challenging situation.

FAQs

How can I use "face the difficulty" in a sentence?

Use "face the difficulty" to describe directly addressing a challenging situation. For example, "Despite the setbacks, they chose to "face the difficulty" and continue their efforts".

What are some alternatives to "face the difficulty"?

Alternatives include "confront the challenge", "tackle the problem", or "address the issue", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "face the difficulty" or "overcome the difficulty"?

"Face the difficulty" emphasizes the act of confronting a challenge, while "overcome the difficulty" implies successfully resolving it. The better choice depends on whether you're highlighting the initial approach or the eventual success.

What does it mean to "face the difficulty"?

To "face the difficulty" means to acknowledge and directly confront a problem or challenge, rather than avoiding it. It suggests a proactive and determined approach.